Bill Would Help Illinois Residents Hit By Storm Damage

Southern Illinois property owners trying to rebuild after tornadoes and storms that hit in March would get a tax break under a bill passed by the Illinois House.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports that the bill passed Friday would freeze property tax assessments on buildings damaged by natural disasters.

It was drafted in response to homeowners in the Harrisburg area who watched their property taxes rise when they began to rebuild.

Homeowners would have to apply for the exemption within two years. They would not need to wait for either a state or federal disaster declaration.

The proposal has the support of lawmakers from both parties and across the state.